We have talked before about the power of our minds, as well as, exercise's key role in helping us all live a longer, healthier life, but a new study sheds a different light on the subject that we wanted to share.

A new study from Stanford University found that individuals who thought they were not exercising enough or not as much as those around them increased their mortality risk by over 70 percent.

The study examined data from three nationally representative surveys with over 61,000 American adults. The information collected included weight, activity levels, smoking habits, and also assessed one's perception of how one compared to their peers of similar age in exercise level.

It is surprising to consider that just thinking you are behind in your exercise regime compared to your friends can hurt your longevity, but that is what this study found.

However, when we look back at some of the other studies we have written about, this should not come as much of a shock.

We have written many blogs about the need for us all to exercise, people know how important it is to their health. We also know that staying positive helps to keep us happy and healthy - enjoying life more is the whole point right?

So what should we all take away from this study?

We need to stop comparing ourselves to others and take it one day at a time. Whatever you can fit into your day for exercise right now - do it! After you do it congratulate yourself for completing it!

Use the knowledge of how exercise can help you feel better, move better and have more energy be your motivation to get whatever you can in day to day - but do not worry about being perfect or being the ultimate fitness example.

Just be you and enjoy life!

If you want to exercise more, but do not know where to start - reach out to us!

We have a great community of exercisers at all different levels who support each other and have fun while working out!

Reference

"Perceived Physical Activity and Mortality: Evidence From Three Nationally Representative U.S. Samples," by Octavia H. Zahrt, BA, and Alia J. Crum, PhD, Stanford University. Health Psychology, published online, Thur., July 20, 2017